Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer believes in-form Bradley Grobler deserves to return for another dance with Bafana Bafana.
The Sekhukhune United striker is enjoying a purple patch, having scored eight goals and providing an assist in 12 games across all competitions so far this season.
Since March 2021, Grobler has been out of the national team even when he scored 10 and 11 PSL goals during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons respectively for the now-defunct SuperSport United.
But the 37-year-old former Platinum Stars forward continues to be overlooked by Bafana coach Hugo Broos when he is showing no signs of tired legs. Even after an injury-blighted campaign last season amid fears he might struggle to get himself back in top form because of his age, he continues his club career as one of the most lethal strikers in the Betway Premiership.
He is also chasing the record of being the PSL’s all-time leading goal-scorer, currently held by Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile, something he looks likely to achieve should he continue with his good form. Shalulile has managed 130 goals and that leaves Grobler with five goals away from breaking that record.
Broos named his final squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda on Thursday, but Grobler’s name was missing from the list. Kannemeyer is convinced that the Sekhukhune United man can resume his international career and can be an influential figure in Hugo Broos’ Bafana set up.
GROBLER THE MISSING BAFANA PUZZLE PIECE
“Yes I think if the squad is picked on merit he should be there,” Kannemeyer told FARPost.
“He can add value with all his experience. He has been proving all the years that he can still score goals. So I think he will add value to the group.
“I would think that with all the younger players, it would be ideal to select him to be with the group, with all his experience it can help the group.”
Of the current Bafana strikers, none scored more than 10 goals last season except Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners.
The national team is preparing for two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda this month, matches they cannot afford to slip up.
In December, Bafana will also be at the 2025 AFCON finals where they need a reliable goal-scorer and better the third place finish they attained at the last edition in Ivory Coast.
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